What it is
Argan oil is derived from the kernels of the argan trees. Because these trees only grow in a few regions, it is rare, hence the high price. Argan Oil contains several lipids and fatty acids like oleic acid, palmitic acid and linoliec acid, which are all beneficial for the skin. In addition, it also contains Vitamin E, phenols, carotenes and Ferulic Acid (an antioxidant).
What it does
Argan Oil is high in Linoleic Acid, which increases skin moisture and softens dry skin as well as reducing inflammation. Some studies indicate that it could also be a good treatment for psoriasis.
In addition, the oil has antioxidant properties and contains three times the amount of Vitamin E (an antioxidant) found in Olive oil.
Another study shows that a cream containing argan oil reduced sebum production. However, the study didn’t prove that this was because of argan oil but only that the cream formula diminished oiliness on the face.
Side effects
Because Argan Oil is high in Oleic Acid, which is very comedogenic, it could clog pores and cause acne.
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Have you ever tried using it?
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I knew I forgot to add some things in my post, do you mind if I link you in my Argan Oil post Gio? So others can learn a little more about this?
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Emilita: not yet. I want to because people rav about its benefits even though there aren’t many scientific studies about it yet but it’s a bit expensive and my budget is pretty limited at the moment. Hopefully I’ll be able to try it soon and then I’ll report back.
Dee: Of course I don’t mind and thanks for linking to my post
Oh thanks for this post!
I am writing about a product that has argan oil in it and since you say it clogs pores I’m very worried about it! Will link back to this post. x
Renee
Renee, you’re welcome and thanks for the link. Can’t wait to read your post. Keep in mind that just because an ingredient is comedogenic it doesn’t necessary mean it will clog pores. That also depends on the formula, the concentration on the ingredient present in the formula and the skin type. For instance, people will normal skin are less likely to have problems than those with oily skin. But yes, Argan Oil could potentially clog pores and that is something to take into consideration if you decide to start using it.
Can you direct me to the studies about psoriasis and sebum production?
Hello Beth, here is a study about a cream containing argan oil and its effectiveness at treating sebum production:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17524128?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
I can’t seem to find the study about psoriasis at the moment (I’ll keep looking as after all I had found it before), but I remember it having something to do with the fatty acids in argan oil.
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